How Solar Energy Impacts the Environment
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The main concern with a Solar Farm involves the adverse effects on surrounding wildlife and the ecosystem. With solar energy farms in generally arid regions, plants and animals must adapt to very specific harsh environments.
Environmentalists fear that any change, such as a large solar energy farm in the middle of the region could disrupt the ecosystem. While that may be so, do the environmental benefits of renewable energy out weigh the disruption?
The environmental impact of using solar energy are varied. Solar energy is renewable – emitting zero toxins and is always available.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is conducting wildlife studies comparing a solar array located in Boulder, CO to an existing control site. NREL has left areas of the Boulder site untouched near the array, which will help to naturally reseed the ground. They have also added a grass seed mixture beneath the array to help prevent erosion.
NREL Senior Biologist Brenda Beatty: “The experiments will begin to give us a handle on how photovoltaic installations and operations affect vegetation in our portion of the arid West, and the information obtained may be useful for other NREL projects, and for revegetation efforts at other solar installations.”
Can environmental preservation and renewable energy solutions work together? Is it fair to say that both have a positive effect on the environment?
More about NREL
Solar History: Solar Power Systems in the 1920’s
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Solar energy actually dates back over 2,500 years ago. While nowhere as complex as systems today, the Romans used the sun as a natural heat source to the point where they had to enact laws regarding sun rights.
Commercially, solar power made its debut in the late 1800’s. After black boxes started dotting the rooftops of Baltimore, Charles Kemp patented the first solar water heating system. The original systems were basic: the back boxes held water that were heated throughout the day. Kemp combined this style with the scientific principle of a hot box and the Climax was born.
Known as the simple batch system, the Climax cost $25 and would save homeowners around $9 a year. Sales to wealthier Marylanders supported the business originally, but Kemp would later move to the sun-rich grounds of California. By 1900, the Kemp had sold over 1,600 systems.
By 1909, William Bailey transformed the solar heating system, fixing one of the major flaws of the Climax. Since Kemp’s system was entirely housed outside, it meant hot water was only possible during sunlight. The water would cool off as soon as the sun sank below the horizon.
Called the Day and Night, William Bailey invented and patented a thermosyphon system, which kept the heating component outside to reach the sun, but stored the heated water inside so it would retain heat. Bailey also targeted sunny California to sell his solar energy system, and soon put Kemp out of business. The Day and Night sold over 4000 units from 1909 through 1918.
As production of the solar thermosyphon system prospered during the 1920’s, economics soon made the solar heat irrelevant. With the discovery of large amounts of natural gas in California, the cost to heat water plummeted and solar energy systems could no longer compete for business. Bailey did invent a gas version of the Day and Night that flourished in Florida, but the mass production of electricity made the new system obsolete as well.
Today, the tides have changed. While solar energy is still requires an upfront investment, new technology, financial incentives, and the increasing cost of oil make solar once again a financially viable option (see how much you can save with our Solar Savings Calculator).
International solar: Kaohsiung World Stadium (Taiwan)
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Kaohsiung World Stadium is an excellent example of solar energy for the masses (or even commercial properties). The multi-purpose stadium in Kaohsiung, Taiwan was completed in 2009. It is the largest stadium in the country (by capacity) and the largest solar-powered athletic stadium in the world. Kaohsiung National Stadium hosted the 2009 World Games and holds 55,000 people.
Kaohsiung is semi-spiral shaped like a dragon, with 8,844 photovoltaic solar panels lining the external face. The solar panels are able to provide 75% of the needed electricity for the stadium. The solar panels generate 1.14 million kWh of electricity every year, avoiding 660 tons of annual carbon dioxide output.
Source: World Games 2009
Renewable Energy and Green Jobs
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Google.org is on (well…has been really) the clean energy bandwagon releasing “The Impact of Clean Energy Innovation” report earlier this week.
Google.org uses Google’s strengths in information and technology to build products and advocate for policies that address global challenges. The organization helps with Googler volunteering, Google Earth outreach and clean energy advocacy, and other green initiatives.
When they started the report the goal was to answer the question: “What is the value of clean energy innovation?” as well as a few others.
The results were broken down into 3 parts, for this post we’re only going to focus on Energy Innovation Could Pay Off Big.
The report states, “All the breakthrough technology and policy scenarios examined created substantial economic and net job growth across the country by 2030. Breakthrough innovations in clean energy added $155 billion per year in GDP, creating 1.1 million net jobs, while reducing household energy costs by $942 per year, oil consumption by 1.1 billion barrels per year, and carbon emissions 13% by 2030 vs. Business as Usual (BAU).”
Can the American economy afford to continue with Business as Usual? What do we have to lose if we break out of the mold? From this report, it looks like we only stand to gain with greater adoption of clean energy technology, especially solar energy,- right?
For a real-world view of job creation in the renewable energy industry, this video was created during the recent Sustainable Energy Expo held in Washington DC on June 16th. They all speak of jobs that can not be outsourced…
Energy Summit: What’s next in the Maryland energy future? (part 7)
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One thing is certain – Maryland is in a better place than we were just a few short years ago.
Commercial solar and residential solar continue to make large strides.
Maryland homeowners are sharing the investment benefits with neighbors and colleagues, while more events like the Wind & Solar Expo are becoming commonplace. Yet, there is still a goal in front of us to hit the 6% solar carve out.
Federal grants and bonus depreciation have helped boost commercial solar installations across the US. Today’s workplace now include discussions of energy conservation and “green teams” are being formed.
Right now, there are 1,200 jobs created in Maryland due to the solar industry. And that number is expected to rise.
The Wind Energy Act is work in progress. The state has established a inter-agency State/Federal task force to advise US Department of Interior on offshore wind leasing. And, the state as entered into a formal partnership with the newly created Atlantic Offshore Wind Consortium to coordinate the development of offshore wind energy production on the Atlantic coast. http://www.gov.state.md.us/pressreleases/100608.asp
To wrap up all these posts, the 20% from renewable resources by 2020 is a goal that is readily achievable with today’s technology.
Maryland has also made large strides in energy conservation. Technologies are available now to reduce demand nationally by 20-30% over the next decade. Innovations in energy efficiency should allow us to keep demand constant after 2020, even as the population grows.
In our next post, we’ll connect you to useful links that help drive change in Maryland.
International solar: Sarnia PV Power Plant (Ontario)
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On October 4, 2010, Canada became home to the world’s largest solar power plant: Sarnia PV Power Plant in Ontari
o. Enbridge, Inc. and First Solar, Inc. constructed the facility, which will generate enough energy to power almost 13,000 homes; 1.3 million solar panels span 950 acres. The Ontario Power Authority is contracted for 20 years of power from Sarnia.
Enbridge noted that constructing the solar farm created more than 800 jobs for the economy. To keep the project as environmentally friendly as possible, no water was used during construction and minimal waste—including noise pollution—was created.
In December 2010, Enbridge and First Solar were honored by the Canadian Solar Industries Association where Sarnia PV power plant was named “Solar PV Project of the Year.”
Earth Day Round-Up
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You most likely knew that April 22nd was Earth Day but did you know that the month of April is “Earth Month”?
Many events were held all over Maryland (even one of our own!) where people celebrated green jobs, clean energy, organic gardening, recycling and much more. Here are a few highlights around town:
Elkridge Solar Firm Launches Nonprofit Coalition to Lobby for More Clean Energy
Solar Energy World became convinced that community activism would have to be part of their business strategy before their rooftop solar panels would gain wide acceptance. In short, they realized they had to first win the hearts and minds of voters if clean energy–principally solar, geothermal and wind–would garner the same tax incentives oil and coal companies received.
Read more about Solar Energy World and the launch of the Clean Energy Coalition>>
To learn more about the Clean Energy Coalition>>
Here is a clip from the press conference with Solar Energy World guests, Maryland Delegate James Malone and Jim Pierobon from the Maryland Clean Energy Center:
BWI Gets Eight Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for Earth Day
Gov. Martin O’Malley celebrated Earth Day on Friday by announcing the installation of eight electric vehicle charging stations at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Read more about the BWI EV Charging Stations>>
All over Montgomery County Earth Day was being celebrated! – brought to you by Patch
Congressman Chris Van Hollen and professional artists from Montgomery County stressed the importance of art to young people and to the community as VisArts at Rockville hosted an awards ceremony for the 8th Congressional District Art Competition for High School Students on Tuesday.
A new community garden will give 50 families the chance to grow and harvest their own food. County Executive Isiah Leggett, as well as community and religious leaders, were on hand at the Emory Grove garden to break ground on Saturday..
Community Solar Gardens
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Last August, the nation’s first community solar garden was activated in El Jebel, Colorado. Three hundred forty solar panels collectively owned by local residents is the first of its kind and may spur similar innovative projects to launch.
Community solar gardens allow residents of condos, shaded homes, or those who want to reap the benefits of solar energy. Participants can take use solar energy without a large up-front investment. There are many policies surrounding community solar gardens that have to be considered with such an extensive project.
The land in El Jebel was otherwise unusable, making it the perfect site for solar panels. Clean Energy Collective (CEC) sold the parcels of solar to residents for as little as $725. CEC predicts a 67% increase of community solar energy in the next five years.
Would you participant in a community solar garden? What would the pros and cons be for you?
Energy Tip: Save cash on energy audits
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Did you know that PEPCO and BGE customers can save on a qualified energy audit? That’s what you don’t find in your electric bill – but it’s true!
An Energy Audit performed by an Pepco or BGE approved auditor can cost as low as $100 while the utility companies pick up the rest – nice, right?
Not only that, but they offer rebates on the recommended work from the audit. So, try this on for size:
Your a Pepco customer…
Cost of audit: $400 ($300 is paid for by Pepco)
And say they recommend that you add insullation for greater energy efficiency. You could receive up to $1,200 in rebates from Pepco, 35% of the cost up to $1,500 from the Maryland Energy Administration plus 10% of the cost up to $500 in a federal tax credit.
Not a bad deal – and you could save up to 20% on your energy costs. Schedule an energy audit today to learn more!
World Water Day 2011: Solar Power in the News
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Happy World Water Day 2011! In honor of today’s global event, let’s take a moment to talk about how solar energy can save water, the environment and money!
According to National Geographic Freshwater Fellow Sandra Postel, energy production around the world is the second-largest “slice” of global water usage, behind diet. Yet another reason why dirty energy is unsustainable. She writes:
“Thermoelectric generation accounts for 49 percent of the water withdrawn from the nation’s water sources, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. In fact, the single biggest draw on U. S. rivers and lakes is not toilets, golf courses, or even irrigated farms. It’s thermal power plants that generate electricity to light our homes and cities, run appliances and factories, and generally keep our plugged-in society humming.”
Basically, water is used in the production of energy. And a LOT more is used in the production of dirty electricity, such as from coal, oil, natural gas, or uranium.
What if instead of using “40 gallons of water per day to power your refrigerator,” your fridge ran on solar electricity! Additionally, heating your hot water with solar thermal electricity saves water as well.
In 
the Midwest, a St. Paul convention center just unveiled the largest solar thermal system in the region. The $2 million system has enough panels to cover half of a football field, and will generate 1 megawatt of electricity per year! That’s the equivalent of about 1,000 homes turning off their faucets while they brush their teeth for a day.
Solar thermal is a great way to up your water efficiency. Heating your hot water is roughly 30% of the average home energy bill. Think of the (water) (money) (electricity) you can save!